Wisconsin vs LSU College Football Preview

In a one of the best Week 1 matchups of 2014, the 14th ranked Badgers meet the 13th ranked Tigers at Reliant Stadium in Houston. This neutral site battle of Big Ten and SEC powers showcases two teams vying for positions in the College Football Playoff, with each team looking to start the season with a defining victory. Badgers’ running back Melvin Gordon enters the season with Heisman aspirations. Coming off of a 1500 yard, 12 touchdown season Gordon is poised to be one of the best running backs in the Big Ten.

Coming off of a 9-4 campaign in 2013, the Badgers are expected to contend for a conference title with the likes of Michigan State, Nebraska, and Ohio State. Quarterback Tanner McEvoy beat out incumbent starter Joel Stave to be named the starter for the game against LSU. The Badgers will find it tough to improve on their defense from last year, giving up only 16.3 points per game. There are a lot of people to replace throughout the Wisconsin defense, but the newcomers possess the talent to make the Badger defense a formidable unit once again. LSU is coming off of a 10 win season, including a 5-3 SEC record and an Outback Bowl victory over Iowa. The Tigers will be replacing many key components from last year’s squad including quarterback Zach Mettenberger, running back Jeremy Hill, and wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. LSU looks to replace Mettenberger with either Brandon Harris or Anthony Jennings, while senior Terrance Magee and five-star freshman Leonard Fournetteare set to split time at tailback. If LSU’s young pieces are as good as advertised, expect the Tigers to be in contention for an SEC title all year.

Keys to the Game

Wisconsin

The Badgers must give the ball to Gordon early and often. To defeat an opponent of the Tiger’s caliber, Wisconsin will have to limit their mistakes and control the ball. Their young defense will have a battle with the youth on LSU’s offense.

LSU

Les Miles’ squad’s chances against the Badgers hinge on how well they mesh with the starting quarterback, be it Harris or Jennings. If the Tigers’ offense can click they will have the ability to put points on the board. LSU will be looking to stop the running game, something they struggled to do in 2013. Their secondary will be one of the best in the SEC, with multiple all-conference contenders in the unit.

No Key Injuries to Date

Line/Odds: LSU by +4.5 points

This season opening battle should be an excellent matchup by all accounts. Both squads believe that they can leave Houston with a win, and there is nothing to say either will be wrong. This game should be a slugfest throughout, with one team squeaking out a quality win over a tough opponent.